DATE: March 4, 2021

SUBJECT: Update on 2021 General Assembly Session

FROM: GOVERNANCE

ACTION ITEM: NO

BACKGROUND: As part of its short session, February 2-22, 2021, the General Assembly continued its on-going work in support of higher education with action items related to the annual budget, student scholarships and access opportunities, KRS and KTRS funding, among other items. The last day to submit a bill for the short session was February 17, 2021.

SUMMARY OF PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES: As legislation continues to move through the House and Senate for finalization with Gov. Beshear, advocacy efforts are maintained through regular contact with elected officials. The Legislative Fish Fry was held on February 23, 2021 under COVID-19 restrictions.

Goal 1: Enhance Student Enrollment, Improve Student Life and Engagement, and Improve Student Advising and Career Development.

Goal 2: Achieve Academic Excellence Across all Programs and Colleges, Increase Student General Education Skills, Degree Persistence, Career Readiness and Graduation Rates.

Goal 3: Increase the University's Financial Strength and Operational Efficiency.

Goal 4: Enhance the Impact of External Relations and Development.

PROGRAM IMPLICATIONS: The most critical item in the General Assembly session to date is pending action on SB 135, the performance funding initiative, which passed in committee on February 11, 2021. Any decrease in general fund appropriations or harmful legislative language will have a direct impact on program development, implementation, and student success/services. Advocacy efforts seek to retain funding allocations, influence public policy, and regulatory authorization to remain competitive in the global market.